NCAA Championship Predictions

The final game of March Madness is upon us. While most people think it’s an easy pick, I’m here to give my two cents anyway. But let’s discuss both teams first:

Connecticut

My dad always told me one thing when it comes to March Madness… “Survive and Advance Survive and Advance.” That’s exactly what UConn has done this tournament. After very little stress in the first two rounds, UConn had to face the toughest region in the tournament. They survived a late scare against Michigan State before completing a 19-point comeback against Duke, where they won at the buzzer in the greatest tournament game I have ever seen in person.  UConn then beat Illinois in the Final Four to send them to their third championship game in the last four years. Their opponent's journey to the championship was the exact opposite of UConn’s.

Michigan

Domination! That’s a one-word summary of Michigan's run up to this point. Their first two games were close at halftime before Michigan blew out both Howard and St. Louis. They were trailing by two at halftime against Alabama before winning by 23 in the Sweet 16. Then in the Elite Eight, they dominated from the opening tip and destroyed Tennessee 95-62. The Final Four was more of the same, as Michigan barely had to break a sweat in beating Arizona 91-73. Michigan's head coach, Dusty May, was scouting the first final four game because he was so confident (or maybe just to size up both teams). They've played like the best team all tournament and with one last game they can prove it.

Prediction

If you ask ESPN, Michigan has a 69.8% chance to win. This is with both teams dealing with injuries. UConn’s Solo Ball was seen in a walking boot and didn’t practice on Sunday. Michigan's Yaxel Lendeborg suffered an injury in the first half against Arizona and won’t be 100% but is still planning to play. UConn coach Dan Hurley has proven he can win in March (well, April now, but still), and I think their physical defense will give Michigan issues. UConn has had to fight and claw their way here, and could easily win. But my prediction is that UConn’s dream will come to an end. Michigan has been playing like the best team, and I fear that UConn will run out of gas.

Michigan 77, UConn 72